Our Foundation for the Future: 2019–2023 Capital Program Proposal Focuses on Community Necessities

Today, Mayor Paul TenHaken presented the capital program proposal for 2019–2023, with a focus on the essential needs of the City.

“The City has invested in some incredible facilities over the few years,” said Mayor TenHaken. “It’s time to focus on the long-term investments that will help Sioux Falls grow and sustain as a community.”

The $748.4 million five-year budget proposal refocuses City investments in the foundational needs for growth and renewal of Sioux Falls. The proposal includes $399.5 million in fee‑supported projects and $348.9 million in tax‑supported projects.

Utilities will require a $374 million investment, including the $261.7 million upgrade and expansion of the water reclamation system and treatment facility. The future facility will increase the annual average maximum of 21 million gallons per day to 30 million gallons per day. It also increases our peak maximum capability by 60 percent.

“The time is now to invest in the expansion of our water reclamation treatment system,” said Mayor TenHaken. “Economic development and population growth cannot happen in Sioux Falls without this investment.”

The capital program proposal prioritizes $260 million for highways and streets. Investments in streets include rehabilitation of the Eighth Street bridge over the Big Sioux River, hundreds of blocks of street maintenance, and the major reconstruction of Minnesota Avenue from Russell Street to 18th Street, as well as 41st Street from Shirley Avenue to Minnesota Avenue.

Public safety investments include the construction of Fire Station 12 in 2020 to serve southeast Sioux Falls. The City will also plan for debt service on the new public safety training center. Parks and Recreation will also continue its rehabilitation and expansion of the bike trail system as well as cyclical park replacements of equipment and facilities.

The full capital program is available at www.siouxfalls.org/capital. The Mayor will present the entire 2019 recommended budget on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Orpheum Theater.